Thomas Earle O'Neill

Thomas Earle O'Neill, 80, went to be with his Lord Saturday, January 29, 2022, at his home from complications of heart disease. Born January 15, 1942, in Indianapolis, he was the son of David Walter O'Neill and Christine Georgia (Kinney) O'Neill. He married Haila Jane Wenger on October 15, 1966. Survivors include: his loving wife, Haila, of 55 years – Greenfield; two sons – Christopher David (Jodi) O'Neill – Shelbyville, Kevin Gene (Stephanie) O'Neill – Kansas City, and one daughter Mary Katherine "Katie" (Josh) Russell – Indianapolis; sister Linda Schwarz; sister-in-law Janice O'Neill; eight grandchildren – Theodore, Hannah (Fred), Jewell (Daniel), Caden, Brodie, Ryanne, Shaun and Bella; and one great-grandchild, Waylon; nieces – Kathleen (Mark) Reger, Ann (Bill) Schlosser, Sheron (Glenn) Bowman, Kris Ann McAninch; and nephews – Patrick O'Neill, Michael (Becky) O'Neill, David (Nancy) Henry. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Jerry O'Neill, sister Marian Henry and her husband, Hank; and brother-in-law Jim Schwarz. Tom grew up in Brightwood and graduated from Scecina Memorial High School in 1959. He attended Indiana Central College. He was an assistant Boy Scout Master in Troop 770. He was Past Grand Knight of Saint John Newman Council #10713 (2003) in Greenfield. He also served as President of the Indianapolis Chapter of the Knights of Columbus (2008). Later, he was a member of Sacred Heart Council #822 in Shelbyville. He was Past Faithful Navigator of Fr. Vincent Bacquelin Assembly #2693 in Shelbyville. He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church. Tom retired from Ford Motor Company in 1998 after 32 years of service. His co-workers nicknamed him "Tip" O'Neill. He was a lover of old cars – especially Fords – and anything fast. He enjoyed going to NHRA Nationals for years. Tom liked a variety of music and was a big fan of big band music. He loved John Wayne and western movies, always had a dog and did all his crossword puzzles in ink. Tom enjoyed camping with his family, spending time at their cabin and boating on Lake Freeman. Tom also enjoyed all things sports and loved watching his kids and grandkids play them. He was a life-long bowler and continued to play on numerous bowling leagues until recently. He was also a fan of the Indianapolis Colts, Pacers and New York Yankees. He was a "stubborn, bull-headed Irishman" whose paternal grandparents immigrated from Ireland. Although he came across as gruff, he was a big teddy bear who loved his family fiercely and his family loved him. Tom's viewing will be Monday, February 7, 2022 at Stillinger Family Funeral Home, 1780 West Main Street, Greenfield, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Rosary will start at 3:30 p.m. An additional hour of visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at St. Michael Catholic Church, 519 Jefferson Blvd, Greenfield, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Mass will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Aaron Jenkins officiating. Burial will be in Park Cemetery, Greenfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Michael Catholic Church. Please visit www.stillingerfamily.com if you would like to leave a condolence for the family.